
Book., _ESJ^T3- 



COPYRIGHT DEFOSHi 



FELINE PHILOSOPHY 
BY THOMAS CAT 



RENDERED INTO ENGLISH 
BY 

WALTER LEON HESS 




BOSTON 

RICHARD G. BADGER 

THE GORHAM PRESS 



Copyright, 191 9, by Walter L6on Hess 



All Rights Reserved 



.J' 



f%;*,i«Y'c 



V 



.\^ 



Made in the United States of America 



The Gorham Press, Boston, U. S. A. 



JUL -5i9i9 

©C).A530084 



/ have nine lives 

And a number of wives — 

But at last I must put a ban 
On feline ways 
And mid^iight lays 

For now I live with man! 




FELINE PHILOSOPHY 

BY THOMAS CAT 




FELINE PHILOSOPHY 

BY THOMAS CAT 

FIRST CATERWAUL 

The family have gone to the country, 
Horton, his wife and four children. 
They took the butler and maids, the dogs, 
The canaries and parrot. Shutters 
They put on the house and the keys 
Are turned in the locks. The silver 
Was put in the vault and everything 
Valuable carefully stowed. . . . 

Little Jack 
Looked well for me. But when he found me 
Was told to put me outside; a cat has no 
Place in a house that is closed for 
The summer. 

When they were sorely troubled 
With rats and mice they coaxed me to 
Come to live in the cellar. They fed 
Me richly on cream and the choicest 
7 ^ 



Feline Philosophy 



Bits from their lavish table. They gave 
Me a rug to sleep, and taught the children 
To pet me. All took turns to feed me and 
They saved the bones of each fish. 

The 
Mice and rats disappeared; the rug 
Is filthy, in tatters. Old Horton curses 
And kicks me and kicks me down stairs w^hen he 
Meets me; warns the baby to heed my 
Claws and the older children that 
Cats breed all sorts of diseases. Edith 
Has young men to call and "cannot abide 
The cat that is covered with ashes." 
Only Jack remembers — which reminds me 
How well I was treated. I was young when 
They found me and now have grown wise in 
Their councils. 

I have no food and no 



Lodging. 




Feline Philosophy 



SECOND CATERWAUL 

It^s more than a week since I've eaten 

And my bed is made in the gutter. Well-fed 

And beggars go by and their boots are 

All alike ready as soon as they spy me. 

Jack Horton went by with his father and 

Stooped to whisper his secret. Old Horton 

Jerked his arm and urged that he'd miss 

The train. So even railroad time 

Seems relentless as the procession 

Passes over and about me. Between buying 

A new suit for his party 

And his affection 

Even young Jack had no choice. 

Now I have to hunt 

And I've eaten a sparrow for breakfast. 

I ate with infinite relish 

Though I never ate one before; 

I was starved and the murder and crime 

Were lost in my terrible necessity. 

My depravity is beginning to wear. . . . 

I shall wander down to the river. . . . 

I have heard Jack's father say: 

When a man falls so low as that 

He had better drown himself than — 

I've forgotten the rest; I cannot think 

In my present state of mind. 



lO Feline Philosophy 



THIRD CATERWAUL 

Arrived at the wharf there was not 

Another soul in sight . . . except at the very end 

Where sat a most woebegone looking Tramp 

Smoking what was once a cigar 

Of price. Half smoked it had been thrust 

In the gutter at the theater-entrance 

By a careless and prosperous merchant. 

The Tramp was very near to the edge looking out 

Over the water as blankly as a blind man. 

A man! Look at him . . . and I a mere cat! 

No doubt Old Horton was right. . . . One leap 

Into the darkness and all gloomy thoughts, 

All trouble, like the half-finished cigar 

Would give place to beautiful dreams and 

Never-ending. ... At least it cannot be much 

Worse. ... No! Far better than the foul gutter 

And the murderous cravings for the unattainable. 

I shall burst my bonds and jump in. 




Feline Philosophy 1 1 



FOURTH CATERWAUL 

It gave a terrible fright when I struck 
The water. Even in filth and mud I found it more 
Pleasure to swim than to drown. How comfortable 
The gutter now seemed but my strength was 
Utterly useless. . . . My thoughts had been 
Less overwhelming than the murky slime that 
Would kill me . . . and to sink, to be swallowed 
By fishes that had been sweet food for my palate. 
A boat came out of the darkness and a brown 
Arm folded me up from the last gasp in the river. 
It was going out to a yacht and the mate was the 
Man who rescued: ''What luck with our rats and 

mice 
To find this bedraggled feline. . . . Maggie can 

give 
It some milk and the Master won't curse for the 
Vermin. . . ." 

Perhaps I was born as an antidote! 
Perhaps I have no choice what to do! 
But whatever may be I shall at least do 
What is expected, the best that I can — 
How else can I expect anything? 



12 Feline Philosophy 



FIFTH CATERWAUL 

Did you ever see a palace in a desert? 
Ralph Dimon was a good catch and Irene's 
Father was very rich. Low necked dress, 
Dress clothes, lace, jewelry, curtains of 
Fine brocade, mahogany panellings and 
Nickel-mountings dimmed the lights of Brough's 
Yacht and were more plentiful than the drops 
Of water that had nearly drowned me. 
As I was lifted over the side I saw the 
Two lovers lounging in the bow where there 
Were no lights; while inside the electric 
Lamps burned neglected. The wind blew a gale 
And I shivered ; but comfortable surroundings 
And even diamonds would warm anybody but a 
Half drowned cat. . . . 

I wonder if pink ribbons 
And a silver-mounted collar would have made 
Me warmer or less hungry . . . and I was most 
Interested because Irene's father never paid 
His bills without a lawsuit. . . . Perhaps I might 
With ribbon and collar have had food for the 

asking. 
But an honest cat must be kicked around 
The kitchen by Maggie. Maggie was used to it: 



Feline Philosophy 



13 



"Haven't you better sense than to bring such 
Rubbish aboard, Jim? Old Brough will miss the 
Milk and there'll be the devil to pay." — And 
To think how I could rid this palace of ver- 
min. . . . 
But that would cost Father Brough money and 
It wouldn't show. . . . 
Jim put me ashore . . . but I was grateful! 




Feline Philosophy 



SIXTH CATERWAUL 

What a terrible contrast: from an interrupted 
Yachting trip to the garbage can! The smell 
Of the sea is sweeter but I wasn't dressed 
For it. . . . The lure of a square meal is sweeter 
Than the glitter of paste. 

Think of finding a 
Half beefsteak on top of the can! There was no 
Gravy but it was cooked to perfection. I ate it 
With relish, but should have enjoyed it better 
If only some one would let me work for it — 
Especially such a meal. . . . And yet they say 

beggars 
Cannot be choosers. ... I found a lot more in 

the can 
To eat, but the steak satisfied me. 
I was very tired ; so I went to sleep beside the 
Can. . . . 

When the collector came he took counsel of 
My presence and hunted through to see what he 

could 
Find of value. He looked up and down the street 
And then slipped a half-roasted-chicken into his 
Blouse; but not before casting me a look of 
Triumph. . . . But I never can eat two meals at a 
Sitting and chicken doesn't agree with me. Then, 



Feline Philosophy 



15 



Too, even honey is nourishing, but it may give 
One indigestion. ... I hope he enjoyed the chicken 
As much as I did my banquet. . . . 

Why, thought I, not 
Offer to stay in this house where plenty runs 
To overflowing. . . . 

It proved to be Brough's! 




i6 



Feline Philosophy 



SEVENTH CATERWAUL 

I PREFER the Street and the gutter 

To the hospitality Brough's might have offered. 

How lucky to be a cat 

Free to accept or — refuse 

What is offered! 




Feline Philosophy 



17 



EIGHTH CATERWAUL 

I FOUND a door that was open. 
The grass in the entry was cut close ; 
The hangings and drawing-room furniture 
Immaculate in their smug neatness. Even the 
Windows were clean and the books on the 
Shelves were well dusted. I wandered into 
The kitchen where oilcloth was spotless 
And tidy. Even the walls were fresh-papered. . . , 
No doubt to keep the kalsomine-water 
From evaporating. . . . 

Table-manners in such 
A house, I fear, are more real than the eating. 
I turned about and went out lest the hairs 
In my coat might scatter. 




Feline Philosophy 



NINTH CATERWAUL 

I HAVE been housed with Jerolamon Jones 
And his wife, whom they call "tame cat," 
For what seems a fairly long time. Jerry 
They call him for short and short is the Bible 
He reads. Lovers they are to the world and 
To each other still more — for that is the 
Judgment that counts . . . Jerry has nights 
"At the club" and loves his dear wife's 
Friends. She can always reach him by 'phone 
But she wouldn't do it for worlds as she 
Trusts him beyond cavil or guile. . . . 
And the tame cat sits on the laps of a 
Dozen or more of his friends — but only 
When Jerry is home. 

I followed Jerry one night 
But his club was not where he went. . . . 
We came home exactly at twelve — and Marion 
(That was his wife) was fast asleep in the sheets. 
Fulton had kissed her that night — and of course 
She told Jerry next day. . . . He trusted his wife 
As she him. . . . 

They were playing the game 
When I left — I left because only I 
Knew how to end the farce! 



Feline Philosophy 



19 



TENTH CATERWAUL 

I HAVE wandered over the city aimless and home- 
less, 
Hungered in mind and in body. 
Days are not irksome in sunshine 
And rain promises more when it ceases. 
But the nights are so intimate 
And the rays of one's mind 
Are perlucid. 

Like a criminal tracing his steps 
Back to the scene of iniquity, 
I found myself in Horton's neighborhood. . . . 
But the house was still closed for the summer. 




20 Feline Philosophy 



ELEVENTH CATERWAUL 

Mrs. Horton^s maid, Alice, came home 

With the keys. She left the window open 

When she went to the corner for food. 

I took unfair advantage — thus experience has taught 
me — 

Climbed in at the first opportunity. 

I hid in her bedroom — the only door that was 
open. 

After all I had suffered 

Perhaps Jack would come back 

And then my troubles be over. 

For the first time in months 

I slept without fear and in comfort. . . . 

It must have been after midnight 

When Old Horton came in. It was pitch dark 

So he couldn't see me. It gave me uncanny 
pleasure 

To follow him. He stole up to Alice's room 

As if a hundred were watching. The door re- 
mained 

Gaping to the empty house and — me. 

Presently Alice screamed and the harrowing sound 

Frightens me even now. 

Horton went back to his room 

And the house resumed its stillness. 



Feline Philosophy 2i 

I sat on the floor by his bed 

Lulled by his heavy breathing. . . . 

Out of the darkness there gleamed 

A flash from the crack of a pistol. 

Alice was fully dressed and quietly turned on her 

heel ; 
Left the house by the basement; walked to the 

corner 
And river ; threw something deep in its water ; then 

back 
To the house where she'd killed him — 
Leaving the front door open. ... I followed her 

up to her room 
Where she undressed and went back to bed. . . . 
Dead in his they found Horton, 
And on his tomb they inscribed: 

"A Loving Father and Devoted Husband.'' 




22 Feline Philosophy 

TWELFTH CATERWAUL 

TvE been sitting in the gutter and wondering — 
Strange dreams come to me in strange places — 
The glare of approaching motor 
Bewildered my thoughts still more. 
I saw stranger things in the shadows 
Than the glow of the lights revealed. 
And the deepest sha-dows 
Close behind the gleaming arcs of the motor 
Showed heads that were snuggled close. 
Edith Horton was one 
And Brough — who is married — the other. 
No matter how dark the night its shame is reful- 
gent 
To Heaven. 

The chain of my reverie was broken 
As the lash will draw blood from the purest. . . . 
And yet I am only a cat that was nearly 
Run over! 




Feline Philosophy 23 

THIRTEENTH CATERWAUL 

Jack Horton has taken me back — 

His father's boots are now mouldy. 

Edith does charity work and teaches in 

Sunday-school. Brough is the superintendent. . . . 

The mortgage on Mallory's house 

Was foreclosed on Saturday morning. 

Mallory, wife and six children 

Were sitting out on the street, 

Their shabby trappings about them. . . . 

A syndicate bought the house 

From Brough — his profit was ten thousand dollars. 

Brough is rolling in wealth. 

But Mallory now and Brough 

Will seem to me much more alike : 

Neither will pay his bills. 

. . . But Jack is kind to me 

And Brough's not the milk 

That I drink! 




24 



Feline Philosophy 



FOURTEENTH CATERWAUL 

When Mallory worked in the shops 

He drank up the wages he earned. 

Now that he's out of a job 

He's docile and kind to his wife 

And dawdles the baby all day. 

Old Horton used to say that Mallory 

Was a good mechanic and a bad father. 

Thus do critics fall out — Now that Old Horton 

Is dead 

He could not reverse his opinion 

Nor the marble slab on his grave. 

Joe Mallory was always Jack's chum; so Jack got 

after 
His friends. . . . Now he's delighted and proud 
For he found Mallory a job 
Which Mallory thoroughly liked and took 
For the price of giving up drink. 




Feline Philosophy 



25 



FIFTEENTH CATERWAUL 

Edith was reading the paper 

Breakfasting on the couch 

At the foot of which I sat. 

Her face was as pale as a ghost. . . . She read 

Something twice out loud: 

"James Brough in the Bankruptcy Court. 

Squandered his fortune on women; 

Many society girls in his net." 

She fainted just as her mother came in; so I 

Quietly left the room. . . . 

And yet there is now a law 
That the lamps of motors be dimmed! 




26 Feline Philosophy 



SIXTEENTH CATERWAUL 

Jack and his older brother went to the wharf 

As Ralph Dimon Is going abroad. 

He's going to stay for some time. . . . 

Irene's been released 

From a very long engagement. 

Not only for mourning it seems 

That weddings are postponed. 

Irene looks dejected and weary — 

She came to see Edith this morning. 

The two are off for the mountains together. . , 

They say Ralph was richer than Brough. 




Feline Philosophy 



27 



SEVENTEENTH CATERWAUL 

They are sending Jack to boarding-school — 
He debated long should he take me? 
If only I were a dog! — but grown boys 
Don't make pets of cats. . . . 
He doesn't know why he's going away — 
But I do: Alice, the maid, is in trouble 
And Mrs. Horton is shocked — and doesn't 
Want Jack to know. 




28 Feline Philosophy 



EIGHTEENTH CATERWAUL 

Ever since Jack went away 

Mrs. Horton has looked after me. 

The day he left 

She came to the window 

And threw out Old Horton's boots. 

At first I thought they were thrown 

At me — but it seems that she threw them 

Wide of the window! 

When I voiced my surprise 

She hurried to me and now 

I sleep on her divan! 




Feline Philosophy 



29 



NINETEENTH CATERWAUL 

Clarence Horton, Jerolamon Jones and a few 
Of the other young bloods had a party last night — 
Hunt breakfast they called it, I think. 
They started by talking of dogs — hounds and 
Horse-flesh and mounts. I gathered that sort of 

sport 
Leaves all the toil to the dogs 
And the glory and brush to the hunter. 
For this kind of thing 
They were well fit — 
And none of them went home too sober! 




30 Feline Philosophy 



TWENTIETH CATERWAUL 

Mrs. Horton sent Alice away — she left last night 

After dark. 

It was better the neighbors 

Shouldn't see! 

There was no reason therefore 

To send poor Jack away! — 

Perhaps it was just as well? 

Mrs. Horton wouldn't have Alice around 

Lest it embarrass Edith and — her. . . . 

I followed Alice some way and she seemed 

Quite cheerful enough. 

Waiting is much the same 

No matter what one expects. 




Feline Philosophy 



TWENTY-FIRST CATERWAUL 

Brough is through with the Courts 

And continues to ride in his car. 

He called for Edith last night 

When Mrs. H or ton was out — she had gone 

To the hospital where Alice was 

Supposed to have gone. . . . 

B rough's chauffeur 
Isn't paid but it's the only way to get what 
One wants — to keep right on 
Especially when fishing for eels! 
Brough is a financier — the rest of us 
Only fish! 




32 Feline Philosophy 



TWENTY-SECOND CATERWAUL 

In my morning stroll I found 

The Jerolamon Jones' door stood open; 

I looked about and went in 

But received a scanty welcome — 

Indeed I was promptly chased out 

By the maid. 

This afternoon Mrs. Jones called 

To beg Mrs. Horton 

To loan her the valuable cat 

As the maid had discovered 

A mouse. 

Thus do values increase 

And appreciation follow apace! 




^^s^^^ 



Feline Philosophy 



33 



TWENTY-THIRD CATERWAUL 

The maid that had chased me out 
Fondled me as she carried me over 
Till my fur bristled. . . . 

The mice have 
Disappeared — I finished as luncheon w^as served, 
And sat by the serving-table. 
But the Joneses all ate so much 
That I w^asn't even noticed — and when I was, 
They sent me back to the Horton's 
At once. . . . 

Mrs. Horton fed me herself! 




34 



Feline Philosophy 



TWENTY-FOURTH CATERWAUL 

I SAW the maid, Alice, last night; 

She was wandering near the bright lights 

And the carnivorous shadows — Shadows 

That burned to my soul as I saw her 

Speak to a man. They went down the street 

Together, the veil of darkness hid them, 

And when I got home Mrs. Horton 

Was telling a friend that "Alice 

Was lost beyond any redemption ; at any rate 

She herself could no longer help!" — 

What problems beset our family! 




Feline Philosophy 35 



TWENTY-FIFTH CATERWAUL 

Jack was home for Christmas 

But I saw him hardly at all — 

To the front door he now has a key 

And the hours he keeps are quite varied. 

One morning he slept very late 

And the name that he spoke in his dreams 

Was "Alice." 

Mrs. Horton was proud of her son and the party 

She gave him was sumptuous. 




36 Feline Philosophy 



TWENTY-SIXTH CATERWAUL 

We have a new cook at the Horton's 

Who saves the bean water for soup. . . . 

I've enjoyed such broth at the Mallory's, 

But at the Horton's! ! ! — 

And their bills are always as large 

As before Bridget was installed. 

But Edith and Mrs. Horton are pleased 

And the baby and I can't complain! ! 








Feline Philosophy 37 



TWENTY-SEVENTH CATERWAUL 

There's a new baby at the Mallory's 

And the rest of the children are pleased; 

Mallory and his wife are as happy as larks. . . 

Edith Horton has a toy Angora 

And Mrs. Horton has forgotten me — 

Indeed she has put me out. . . . 

Again I must wander the streets! 




38 Feline Philosophy 



TWENTY-EIGHTH CATERWAUL 

I FOLLOWED Alice last night 

Down to her alley and room — 

She stooped as she entered her door 

And petted me much as she used to. . . . 

Then she cuddled her baby and seemed 

Far fonder of it than Mrs. Horton of hers 

And nearly as much 

As Edith of her angora. . . . 




Feline Philosophy 39 



TWENTY-NINTH CATERWAUL 

I SAT on the curb at the corner 

Just outside the saloon 

Where politics rule and 

Presidents are made and unmade. 

Two men were discussing the War. . . . 

And when they were through, the conclusion 

Was discussion untempered by argument. . . 

Unconvinced I went on my way. 




40 Feline Philosophy 



THIRTIETH CATERWAUL 

All afternoon I sat in the shade 

Of a hideous skyscraper 

On the Avenue. 

Women of all sorts went by 

And their footgear and stockings 

Were varied. 

Skirts that our grandmothers used 

To clothe five- and ten-year-old girlies 

Revealed twelve inches of hose — 

Nor the three-shade boots that shod them 

Would help a Chinaman guess 

The age of the vs^earers who proudly 

Boasted this awful foundation. . . . 

And yet are most of the women 

Sweet-souled and modest. . . . 

I polished my claws once again ! 




Feline Philosophy 



41 



THIRTY-FIRST CATERWAUL 

I LOOKED in at the restaurant window 
Through which gleamed a medley of color- 
Diamonds, pearl pendants and rubies, 
And ruby and gold was the wine 
Blazing first in glasses rich-stemmed, 
Then blazoned bright in the glances 
Of women; 

Some with their husbands and fathers, 
Others leering and brazen — 
But my milk tasted sweeter 
Next morning, for to the poor 
All things are pure! 




42 Feline Philosophy 



THIRTY-SECOND CATERWAUL 

I hadn't eaten for hours 

And all the house doors were shut — 

The heat of the sun was oppressive 

So I languished in the shade, 

Though my appetite was appalling. . . . 

Beside there were plenty of sparrows 

Ready to eat when I chose to. . . . 

But when the sun was gone, 

So were the sparrows! 




Feline Philosophy 



43 



THIRTY-THIRD CATERWAUL 

The Mallorys have taken me in. . . . 
Mallory says: one more to feed. . . . 
But the children like it to play 
And it looks like Horton's old cat 
So it's certain to be a good one. . . . 
Even if discarded. 




44 



Feline Philosophy 



THIRTY-FOURTH CATERWAUL 

Mrs. Mallory read from the paper 

Where wise ones answer fool's queries 

And this was one of the questions: 

Is it possible a woman 

Who has bitten her nails all her life 

Since first she had teeth 

Could so cause her baby 

The affliction of two thumbs on one hand ? . 

Did they ever think that of cats? 




Feline Philosophy 



45 



THIRTY-FIFTH CATERWAUL 

If we really had nine lives, 
None akin to the others 
And all the hopes of each life 
Were answered in the next, 
Perhaps a cat's existence would 
Still be unsatisfactory? 




46 



Feline Philosophy 



THIRTY-SIXTH CATERWAUL 

Joe Mallory told Jack about Alice- 

At least of her fate. 

Jack found her address 

And wanted to help. . . . 

And yet there are some 

Who believe heredity infallible! 




Feline Philosophy 47 



THIRTY-SEVENTH CATERWAUL 

While Jack tried to smother 

Alice's wild burning fires 

Joe never obtruded — 

But when Jack was not watching 

Joe brought more wood 

To the kindling. . . . 

Still they were friends. 



48 



Feline Philosophy 



THIRTY-EIGHTH CATERWAUL 

You should have read B rough's 

Obituary. . . . He died 

When he'd rescued a fortune 

By making hardware and debts : 

. . . Most Respected Merchant . . . 

Philanthropist. . . . Loss to 

The Community . . . and over a 

Dozen **Resolved's." 

The Merchants' Club framed his picture. 

And to think 

Generations of men proudly 

Will claim his descent! 







?c^.:^' 



Feline Philosophy 



49 



THIRTY-NINTH CATERWAUL 

Edith Horton is married — 

(Joe Mallory went to the wedding) — 

Many a thorn-edge is dulled 

By brushing it by in a hurry. . . . 

And roses often change hue 

Between the bright sun and the limelight. 




50 



Feline Philosophy 



FORTIETH CATERWAUL 

I WATCHED a man cranking his motor. 

It stalled. . . . 

He tinkered with levers 

Till he gave it up in despair 

And stood disconsolate staring. 

When he cranked it again 

It started so quickly 

That it raised the hair of my coat. 




Feline Philosophy 51 



FORTY-FIRST CATERWAUL 

JoNES^ collie and Mallory's hound 
Were discussing a new-found bone 
With vicious snarling and snapping 
And other unseemly behaviour. . . . 
On the fence above them I sat 
Distressed. . . . 

Neither dared touch the prize. . . . 
Nor would either allow the other. 
Then Jerry and Joe both whistled. . 
The bone lies forgotten and wasted. 




52 



Feline Philosophy 



FORTY-SECOND CATERWAUL 

It grew very warm in the house, 

The Mallorys mopping and sweating — 

Perspiration is fuel for temper — 

Even I couldn't stand the heat 

Nor tell them no windows were open. . . 

But cats are always too obvious; 

So I went out for a walk. 




Feline Philosophy 53 



FORTY-THIRD CATERWAUL 

Alice is dead of consumption. . . . 

All Jack's efforts were useless; 

Disconsolate he tried to comfort 

The last of her wasted moments. . . . 

"God will forgive you," he whispered. . 

Yet who is the judge of the Damned? — 

And Joe is much disappointed 

Though he feels he may have hurried 

Alice's end. ... I wonder 

What I repent ? — or is it only 

Regret? 




54 Feline Philosophy 



FORTY-FOURTH CATERWAUL 

All my life I have studied 

The passerby-faces 

And known them. . . . 

Sometimes they noticed me; 

Others more often seemed 

Unconscious I saw them. 

I wondered what they were thinking. . « 

Or had they no thoughts 

But like wax that responds 

To momentary impressions? 

I'm sure I read all the faces. . . . 

Did I know them — 

Except when they kicked me 

Or petted? 



Feline Philosophy 55 



FORTY-FIFTH CATERWAUL 

At last I have to confess 

That all my judgment is blinded! 

Jack and Joe are now partners, 

Croesus and Job united 

In one homogeneous effort. . . . 

And yet my kind make nights hideous 

By howling continuous calamity! 



^V^ 




56 



Feline Philosophy 



FORTY-SIXTH CATERWAUL 

Now that the Mallorys have money 
They haven't changed the brand 
Of my milk nor their butcher. 
They wear more clothes 
And better; but they still 
Continue to pet me. 




Feline Philosophy 



57 



FORTY-SEVENTH CATERWAUL 

Joe sent Pat Mallory through college; 

Up there Pat says that his father 

Is Superintendent of power — 

Old Mallory's just a plain foreman — 

But Pat still with reason 

Differs 

From tlie verdict given by Horton, 

For Pat still worships his father, 

And still calls me 

Poor old Cat. . . . 




58 



Feline Philosophy 



FORTY-EIGHTH CATERWAUL 

I HEARD Pat talking of college — 
Some of Pat's friends have been visiting— 
I w^ondered what they were learning! 
Pat is surely improving. 
Still Joe w^ould aWays have prospered 
In or out of a college — 
And yet I shall always be 
Just a cat. 




Feline Philosophy 



59 



FORTY-NINTH CATERWAUL 

TvE watched in the rain and snow 
Sunshine and cloudy weather 
For any change in my spirit; 
But whether I've eaten a fish 
Or had just a drink of milk, — 
Only that I found made 
A difference. 




6o 



Feline Philosophy 



FIFTIETH CATERWAUL 

Go on with your work — 

Patient Stranger! 

IVe told you enough of my 

Wanderings. 

The Mallorys are troubled with mice 

And never close house for the summer! 




LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

lll|il|lliillllllill|llllllll||ll||l|l|||ill|||lll^ 

III! Mill Mill iiiiiiliiiiiiiilliiiiililllmliiiiii ill 11 
015 938 135 3 



